Advent is Here!

Advent marks the beginning of the Church's calendar year. The word "advent" means the arrival of an important person or thing and is derived from the Latin word "adventus," which means "coming." Advent is a time of reflection, excitement, and hope, and a time during which we anticipate the coming of Jesus.

The Advent Wreath is a familiar symbol during the season of Advent. The wreath holds the four Advent candles that represent Jesus coming as the light in the darkness. One candle is lit each Sunday until all four candles are lit, and sometimes a fifth candle is lit on Christmas. As Christmas draws nearer, each candle brings a little more light into the darkness.

Each of the candles represents an aspect of preparation during the season of Advent:

1. The Candle of Hope
   Color: Purple 
   Purple is the primary color associated with Advent. It symbolizes penance, preparation, and sacrifice. This first week of Advent, we look forward to Jesus’ coming with hope.
2. The Candle of Peace
   Color: Purple 
   During this second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and work on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming.
3. The Candle of Joy
   Color: Pink 
   This third candle is pink, symbolizing anticipation and rejoicing. During the third week of Advent, we are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day.
4. The Candle of Love
   Color: Purple 
   During this final week of Advent, we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son. (From Dynamic Catholic https://dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever/about-advent)

Below are some other great resources for celebrating Advent:

• https://www.holyheroes.com/Holy-Heroes-Advent-Adventure-s/48.htm
• https://www.uscatholic.org/articles/201411/light-your-advent-resources-make-most-season-29620
• https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1360
• https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/how-to-celebrate-advent-like-a-catholic/